Method for starting an engine

ABSTRACT

A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/833,730 filed Jul. 9, 2010, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present description relates to a system for improving starting of anengine. The method may be particularly useful for engines that are oftenstopped and then restarted.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Vehicle manufacturers have realized that it may be desirable under someconditions to automatically start and stop an engine of a vehicle.Stopping the engine can reduce fuel consumption, especially when thevehicle is stopped for longer periods of time, in stop-and-go trafficfor example. However, supplying the driver with a desired amount ofwheel torque shortly after engine restart may be difficult because oftorque management within a transmission. For example, if transmissionclutches are in an open state during engine starting, a wheel torqueresponse delay may be perceived by the driver. Further, the timing atwhich torque is transferred through the transmission may vary from startto start, thereby leaving the driver with an impression of inconsistentengine restarting.

The inventors herein have recognized the above-mentioned disadvantagesand have developed a method for improving engine starting.

One embodiment of the present description includes a method for startingan engine, comprising: stopping the engine; and during an engine start,adjusting a transmission tie-up force in response to a timing of a firstcombustion event of a cylinder.

By adjusting a transmission tie-up force in response to an engine eventduring starting, starting consistency and engine torque management canbe improved. For example, transmission clutches can be adjusted based onthe timing of a predicted first combustion event of an engine during anengine restart to reduce a torque transfer delay from an engine to atransmission. Further, linking transmission clutch actuation to a morerepeatable condition can lessen a driver's perception of inconsistentengine restarting.

The present description may provide several advantages. Specifically,the approach may improve engine starting consistency. In addition, theapproach may improve driver demanded wheel torque response time.Further, the approach may simplify a torque management system sincetorque transfer may be synchronized to an event that is more repeatableand easily identifiable.

The above advantages and other advantages, and features of the presentdescription will be readily apparent from the following DetailedDescription when taken alone or in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introducein simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described inthe detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defineduniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description.Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited toimplementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any partof this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages described herein will be more fully understood by readingan example of an embodiment, referred to herein as the DetailedDescription, when taken alone or with reference to the drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an engine;

FIG. 2 is shows an example vehicle system layout;

FIG. 3 is an example plot of signals of interest during a simulatedengine start;

FIG. 4 is another example plot of signals of interest during a simulatedengine start;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example engine starting routine;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example transmission tie-up release routine;and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example transmission tie-up strategyroutine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present description is related to automatically starting an enginecoupled to a transmission. In one non-limiting example, the engine maybe configured as illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, the engine may be partof a vehicle as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Engine starting may be performed according to the methods described byFIGS. 5-6. The method of FIG. 5 may be used to transition transmissiontorque control during the engine start so that the response to adriver's demand is improved. The method of FIG. 6 describes untying atransmission during an engine start so that the driver experiences asmoother launch. Thus, the methods described in FIGS. 5-6 can be usedduring an engine start to improve a driver's perception of vehiclestarting and launch. Further, FIG. 7 describes a transmission tie-upstrategy for determining transmission tie-up force during an enginestop. FIGS. 3-4 illustrate signals of interest during engine startingaccording to the methods of FIGS. 5-6.

Referring to FIG. 1, internal combustion engine 10, comprising aplurality of cylinders, one cylinder of which is shown in FIG. 1, iscontrolled by electronic engine controller 12. Engine 10 includescombustion chamber 30 and cylinder walls 32 with piston 36 positionedtherein and connected to crankshaft 40. Combustion chamber 30 is showncommunicating with intake manifold 44 and exhaust manifold 48 viarespective intake valve 52 and exhaust valve 54. Each intake and exhaustvalve may be operated by an intake cam 51 and an exhaust cam 53.Alternatively, one or more of the intake and exhaust valves may beoperated by an electromechanically controlled valve coil and armatureassembly. The position of intake cam 51 may be determined by intake camsensor 55. The position of exhaust cam 53 may be determined by exhaustcam sensor 57.

Fuel injector 66 is shown positioned to inject fuel directly intocylinder 30, which is known to those skilled in the art as directinjection. Alternatively, fuel may be injected to an intake port, whichis known to those skilled in the art as port injection. Fuel injector 66delivers liquid fuel in proportion to the pulse width of signal FPW fromcontroller 12. Fuel is delivered to fuel injector 66 by a fuel system(not shown) including a fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel rail (not shown).Fuel injector 66 is supplied operating current from driver 68 whichresponds to controller 12. In addition, intake manifold 44 is showncommunicating with optional electronic throttle 62 which adjusts aposition of throttle plate 64 to control air flow from air intake 42 tointake manifold 44. In one example, a low pressure direct injectionsystem may be used, where fuel pressure can be raised to approximately20-30 bar. Alternatively, a high pressure, dual stage, fuel system maybe used to generate higher fuel pressures.

Distributorless ignition system 88 provides an ignition spark tocombustion chamber 30 via spark plug 92 in response to controller 12.Universal Exhaust Gas Oxygen (UEGO) sensor 126 is shown coupled toexhaust manifold 48 upstream of catalytic converter 70. Alternatively, atwo-state exhaust gas oxygen sensor may be substituted for UEGO sensor126.

Converter 70 can include multiple catalyst bricks, in one example. Inanother example, multiple emission control devices, each with multiplebricks, can be used. Converter 70 can be a three-way type catalyst inone example.

Controller 12 is shown in FIG. 1 as a conventional microcomputerincluding: microprocessor unit 102, input/output ports 104, read-onlymemory 106, random access memory 108, keep alive memory 110, and aconventional data bus. Controller 12 is shown receiving various signalsfrom sensors coupled to engine 10, in addition to those signalspreviously discussed, including: engine coolant temperature (ECT) fromtemperature sensor 112 coupled to cooling sleeve 114; a position sensor134 coupled to an accelerator pedal 130 for sensing force applied byfoot 132; a measurement of engine manifold pressure (MAP) from pressuresensor 122 coupled to intake manifold 44; an engine position sensor froma Hall effect sensor 118 sensing crankshaft 40 position; a measurementof air mass entering the engine from sensor 120; and a measurement ofthrottle position from sensor 58. Barometric pressure may also be sensed(sensor not shown) for processing by controller 12. In a preferredaspect of the present description, engine position sensor 118 produces apredetermined number of equally spaced pulses every revolution of thecrankshaft from which engine speed (RPM) can be determined.

In some embodiments, the engine may be coupled to an electricmotor/battery system in a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle may have aparallel configuration, series configuration, or variation orcombinations thereof. Further, in some embodiments, other engineconfigurations may be employed, for example a diesel engine.

During operation, each cylinder within engine 10 typically undergoes afour stroke cycle: the cycle includes the intake stroke, compressionstroke, expansion stroke, and exhaust stroke. During the intake stroke,generally, the exhaust valve 54 closes and intake valve 52 opens. Air isintroduced into combustion chamber 30 via intake manifold 44, and piston36 moves to the bottom of the cylinder so as to increase the volumewithin combustion chamber 30. The position at which piston 36 is nearthe bottom of the cylinder and at the end of its stroke (e.g. whencombustion chamber 30 is at its largest volume) is typically referred toby those of skill in the art as bottom dead center (BDC). During thecompression stroke, intake valve 52 and exhaust valve 54 are closed.Piston 36 moves toward the cylinder head so as to compress the airwithin combustion chamber 30. The point at which piston 36 is at the endof its stroke and closest to the cylinder head (e.g. when combustionchamber 30 is at its smallest volume) is typically referred to by thoseof skill in the art as top dead center (TDC). In a process hereinafterreferred to as injection, fuel is introduced into the combustionchamber. In a process hereinafter referred to as ignition, the injectedfuel is ignited by known ignition means such as spark plug 92, resultingin combustion. During the expansion stroke, the expanding gases pushpiston 36 back to BDC. Crankshaft 40 converts piston movement into arotational torque of the rotary shaft. Finally, during the exhauststroke, the exhaust valve 54 opens to release the combusted air-fuelmixture to exhaust manifold 48 and the piston returns to TDC. Note thatthe above is shown merely as an example, and that intake and exhaustvalve opening and/or closing timings may vary, such as to providepositive or negative valve overlap, late intake valve closing, orvarious other examples.

In one embodiment, the stop/start crank position sensor has both zerospeed and bi-directional capability. In some applications abi-directional Hall sensor may be used, in others the magnets may bemounted to the target. Magnets may be placed on the target and the“missing tooth gap” can potentially be eliminated if the sensor iscapable of detecting a change in signal amplitude (e.g., use a strongeror weaker magnet to locate a specific position on the wheel). Further,using a bi-dir Hall sensor or equivalent, the engine position may bemaintained through shut-down, but during re-start alternative strategymay be used to assure that the engine is rotating in a forwarddirection.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a vehicle drive-train 200. Drive-train 200may be powered by engine 10. Engine 10 may be started with an enginestarting system (not shown). Further, engine 10 may generate or adjusttorque via torque actuator 204, such as a fuel injector, throttle, etc.

An engine output torque may be transmitted to torque converter 206 todrive an automatic transmission 208. Further, one or more clutches maybe engaged, including forward clutch 210, to propel a vehicle. In oneexample, the torque converter may be referred to as a component of thetransmission. Further, transmission 208 may include a plurality of gearclutches that may be engaged as needed to activate a plurality of fixedtransmission gear ratios. The output of the torque converter may in turnbe controlled by torque converter lock-up clutch 212. For example, whentorque converter lock-up clutch 212 is fully disengaged, torqueconverter 206 transmits engine torque to automatic transmission 208 viafluid transfer between the torque converter turbine and torque converterimpeller, thereby enabling torque multiplication. In contrast, whentorque converter lock-up clutch 212 is fully engaged, the engine outputtorque is directly transferred via the torque converter clutch to aninput shaft (not shown) of transmission 208. Alternatively, the torqueconverter lock-up clutch 212 may be partially engaged, thereby enablingthe amount of torque relayed to the transmission to be adjusted. Acontroller may be configured to adjust the amount of torque transmittedby torque converter 212 by adjusting the torque converter lock-up clutchin response to various engine operating conditions, or based on adriver-based engine operation request.

Torque output from the automatic transmission 208 may in turn be relayedto wheels 216 to propel the vehicle. Specifically, automatictransmission 208 may transfer an input driving torque at the input shaft(not shown) responsive to a vehicle traveling condition beforetransmitting an output driving torque to the wheels.

Further, a frictional force may be applied to wheels 216 by engagingwheel brakes 218. In one example, wheel brakes 218 may be engaged inresponse to the driver pressing his foot on a brake pedal (not shown).In the same way, a frictional force may be reduced to wheels 216 bydisengaging wheel brakes 218 in response to the driver releasing hisfoot from a brake pedal. Further, vehicle brakes may apply a frictionalforce to wheels 216 as part of an automated engine stopping procedure.

A mechanical oil pump 214 may be in fluid communication with automatictransmission 208 to provide hydraulic pressure to engage variousclutches, such as forward clutch 210 and/or torque converter lock-upclutch 212. Mechanical oil pump 214 may be operated in accordance withtorque converter 212, and may be driven by the rotation of the engine ortransmission input shaft, for example. Thus, the hydraulic pressuregenerated in mechanical oil pump 214 may increase as an engine speedincreases, and may decrease as an engine speed decreases. An electricoil pump 220, also in fluid communication with the automatictransmission but operating independent from the driving force of engine10 or transmission 208, may be provided to supplement the hydraulicpressure of the mechanical oil pump 214. Electric oil pump 220 may bedriven by an electric motor (not shown) to which an electric power maybe supplied, for example by a battery (not shown).

A controller 12 may be configured to receive inputs from engine 10, asshown in more detail in FIG. 1, and accordingly control a torque outputof the engine and/or operation of the torque converter, transmission,clutches, and/or brakes. As one example, a torque output may becontrolled by adjusting a combination of spark timing, fuel pulse width,fuel pulse timing, and/or air charge, by controlling throttle openingand/or valve timing, valve lift and boost for turbo- or super-chargedengines. In the case of a diesel engine, controller 12 may control theengine torque output by controlling a combination of fuel pulse width,fuel pulse timing, and air charge. In all cases, engine control may beperformed on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis to control the engine torqueoutput.

When idle-stop conditions are satisfied, controller 42 may initiateengine shutdown by shutting off fuel and spark to the engine. Further,to maintain an amount of torsion in the transmission, the controller mayground rotating elements of transmission 208 to a case of thetransmission and thereby to the frame of the vehicle. As furtherelaborated with reference to FIG. 7, the controller may engage one ormore transmission clutches, such as forward clutch 210, and lock theengaged transmission clutch(es) to the transmission case and vehicleframe. A clutch pressure may be varied (e.g., increased) to adjust theengagement state of a transmission clutch, and provide a desired amountof transmission torsion. In one example, during the engine shutdown,hydraulic pressure for clutch modulation may be provided by enabling theelectric oil pump 220, if sufficient hydraulic pressure cannot beprovided by the mechanical oil pump 214.

A wheel brake pressure may also be adjusted during the engine shutdown,based on the clutch pressure, to assist in tying up the transmissionwhile reducing a torque transferred through the wheels. Specifically, byapplying the wheel brakes while locking one or more engaged transmissionclutches, opposing forces may be applied on transmission, andconsequently on the driveline, thereby maintaining the transmissiongears in active engagement, and torsional potential energy in thetransmission gear-train, without moving the wheels. In one example, thewheel brake pressure may be adjusted to coordinate the application ofthe wheel brakes with the locking of the engaged transmission clutchduring the engine shutdown. As such, by adjusting the wheel brakepressure and the clutch pressure, the amount of torsion retained in thetransmission when the engine is shutdown may be adjusted.

When restart conditions are satisfied, and/or a vehicle operator wantsto launch the vehicle, controller 12 may reactivate the engine byresuming cylinder combustion. As further elaborated with reference toFIGS. 5-6, to launch the vehicle, transmission 208 may be unlocked andthe wheel brakes 218 may be released, to return torque to the drivingwheels 216. A clutch pressure may be adjusted to unlock thetransmission, while a wheel brake pressure may be adjusted to coordinatethe release of the brakes with the unlocking of the transmission, and alaunch of the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 3, an example plot of a simulated engine startsequence by the method of FIG. 5 is shown. Time begins on the left sideof the plot and increases to the right side of the plot. The illustratedsequence represents a start of a non-limiting four cylinder four cycleengine. In this example, the vertical markers between cylinder positiontraces CYL. 1-4, represent top-dead-center or bottom-dead-center for therespective cylinder strokes. And, there are 180 crankshaft degreesbetween each vertical marker.

The first plot from the top of the figure represents position ofcylinder number one. And, in particular, the stroke of cylinder numberone as the engine crankshaft is rotated. To the left of T₀, the engineis stopped and at rest. At T₀, the engine crankshaft begins to rotatefrom torque provided by a starter motor. Strokes of cylinder 1-4 arelabeled according to the engine position that the engine assumed atengine stop. For example, cylinder number one is shown on an intakestroke at engine stop before time T₀. After T₀, the engine rotates andcylinder number one enters the compression stroke followed by expansionand exhaust strokes. The cylinder cycle for cylinder number one thenrepeats. For a four stroke engine, a cylinder cycle may be 720°, thesame crankshaft interval for a complete cycle of the engine. The star atlabel 300 indicates the first ignition event for the first combustionevent since engine stop. Star 308 represents the second combustion eventfor cylinder number one after engine stop and the fifth combustion eventsince engine stop. The ignition may be initiated by a spark plug or bycompression. In this sequence, cylinder number one valves are open forat least a portion of the intake stroke to provide air to the cylinder.Fuel may be injected to the engine cylinders by port or directinjectors. The fuel and air mixture is compressed and ignited during thecompression stroke. Peak cylinder pressure may occur at top-dead-centerof compression stroke or during the expansion stoke.

It should be noted that engine position may be determined at the time ofengine stop by tracking engine position as spark and fuel aredeactivated. In one embodiment, when the engine is substantiallystopped, engine position is determined and stored to memory forretrieval during the next engine start. In another embodiment, engineposition may be determined at engine start after the engine begins torotate by sensing camshaft and crankshaft positions.

The second cylinder position trace from the top of the figure representsthe position and stroke for cylinder number three. Since the combustionorder of this particular engine is 1-3-4-2, the second combustion eventfrom engine stop is initiated at 302 as indicated by the star. Star 302represents the initiation of the first combustion event for cylindernumber three after engine stop and the second combustion event from theengine stop.

The third cylinder position trace from the top of the figure representsthe position and stroke for cylinder number four. Star 304 representsthe initiation of the first combustion event for cylinder number fourafter engine stop and the third combustion event from the engine stop.

The fourth cylinder position trace from the top of the figure representsthe position and stroke for cylinder number two. Star 306 represents theinitiation of the first combustion event for cylinder number two afterengine stop and the fourth combustion event from the engine stop.

It should be noted that the first cylinder to combust an air-fuelmixture can vary depending on the engine stopping position and themethod of determining engine position. In some embodiments fuel may notbe delivered to one or more engine cylinders until engine position isestablished. In other embodiments, fuel may be delivered before or assoon as the engine begins to rotate without regard to the enginestopping position.

The fifth plot from the top of the figure shows one example of timing ofadjusting an actuator of a transmission, in particular a transmissionclutch, to adjust a tie-up force in response to a first combustion eventof a cylinder. The high portion of the CLUTCH 1 signal, left of verticalmarker T₁, indicates a higher force is applied to the transmission byclutch 1. The low portion of the CLUTCH 1 signal, at the end of the rampafter vertical marker T₁, indicates a lower force is applied to thetransmission by clutch 1. Thus, a higher force is applied by clutch 1 tothe transmission during an engine stop and begins to release at verticalmarker T₁ in response to timing of combustion event 300. The amplitudeof the higher portion of the CLUTCH 1 may be adjusted based on operatingconditions to control the transmission tie-up force.

CLUTCH 1 signal is ramped at 310 to gradually release a tie-up forcethat is applied to the transmission so that clutch 1 begins to releasethe rotating components of the transmission from the transmission caseand the vehicle chassis. For example, clutch 1 may release atransmission shaft. The ramp rate of CLUTCH 1 signal may be proportionalto the amount of torque applied to the transmission input shaft and tothe force applied to vehicle brakes. Further, the CLUTCH 1 ramp rate maybe varied according to operating conditions. For example, the ramp rateof the CLUTCH 1 signal may decrease with transmission oil temperature.In another example, the ramp rate of the CLUTCH 1 signal may decrease asthe force applied to vehicle brakes during transmission tie-upincreases.

It should be noted that a reduction in tie-up force applied to thetransmission by clutch 1 may be timed relative to timing of firstcombustion events in cylinders 2-4 as an alternative. Further, thetiming of adjustment of the CLUTCH 1 signal does have to be coincidentwith the exact timing of a first combustion event of a particularcylinder. Rather, the timing of adjustment of CLUTCH 1 signal may berelative to the timing of a first combustion event of a cylinder. Thus,CLUTCH 1 signal may start to ramp before or after a first combustionevent of a cylinder, but the starting timing of the ramp is relative toa first combustion event of a cylinder.

In one example, combustion timing of a first combustion event of acylinder may be determined from the engine stopping position. As shownin FIG. 3, it can be determined that cylinder 1 may be the firstcylinder to combust as it is the first cylinder to complete intake andcompression strokes. Alternatively, cylinder 2 may be determined to bethe first cylinder to combust an air-fuel mixture if fuel may beinjected into a cylinder that is holding an air charge. Thus, based onthe engine stopping position and the engine configuration (e.g., directinjector or port injection), it may be determined which engine cylinderis capable of a first combustion event. In addition, since the order ofcombustion of an engine is know, the first combustion events sinceengine stop may be determined for other cylinders based on the firstcombustion event since engine stop.

The sixth plot from the top of the figure shows timing of adjustinganother actuator of a transmission, in particular a transmission clutch,to adjust a tie-up force in response to a first combustion event of acylinder. Similar to the CLUTCH 1 signal, the high portion of the CLUTCH2 signal, left of vertical marker T₂, indicates higher force is appliedto the transmission by clutch 2. The low portion of the CLUTCH 2 signal,at the end of the ramp after 312, indicates a lower force is applied tothe transmission by clutch 2. Thus, a higher force is applied by clutch1 to the transmission during an engine stop and begins to release atvertical marker T₂ in response to timing of combustion event 300. Theamplitude of the higher portion of the CLUTCH 2 may be adjusted based onoperating conditions to control the transmission tie-up force.

Signal CLUTCH 2 reduces the tie-up force applied to the transmission byclutch 2 after signal CLUTCH 1 begins to reduce the tie-up force appliedto the transmission by clutch 1. Thus, signals CLUTCH 1 and CLUTCH 2 maybe sequenced relative to a first combustion event of a cylinder sinceengine stop. Further, the ramp rates of ramps 310 and 312 may bedifferent as shown in FIG. 3. The clutch ramp rates may vary from clutchto clutch based on the position of the clutch in the transmission aswell as the input torque applied to the transmission input shaft.

Signals CLUTCH 1 and CLUTCH 2 are representative of control signals fortying and untying a transmission. In some embodiments, only a singleclutch may tie-up a transmission while in other embodiments three ormore clutches may tie-up a transmission. Thus, only signal CLUTCH 1 mayapply for some transmissions. Further, signals CLUTCH 1 and CLUTCH 2 arenot necessarily intended to correspond with a 1^(st) gear clutch and a2^(nd) gear clutch, but rather any two clutches that act to tie-up atransmission when applied. In other examples, transmission clutches maybe simultaneously released. Further, in some examples, two or moreclutches may be released with the same release timing or release rate.

Turning now to FIG. 4, another example plot of a simulated engine startsequence by the method of FIG. 5 is shown. Time begins on the left sideof the plot and increases to the right side of the plot. Similar to FIG.3, the illustrated sequence represents a start of a non-limiting fourcylinder four cycle engine. In this example, the vertical markersrepresent top-dead-center or bottom-dead-center for the respectivecylinder strokes. And, there are 180° crankshaft degrees between eachvertical marker.

The first plot from the top of the figure represents position ofcylinder number one. And, in particular, the stroke of cylinder numberone as the engine crankshaft is rotated. To the left of T₀, the engineis stopped or at rest. At T₀, the engine crankshaft begins to rotatefrom torque provided by a starter motor. Strokes of cylinder 1-4 arelabeled according to the engine position that the engine assumed atengine stop. For example, cylinder number one is shown on an intakestroke at engine stop before time T₀. After T₀, the engine rotates andcylinder number one enters the compression stroke followed by expansionand exhaust strokes. The cylinder cycle for cylinder number one thenrepeats.

The star at label 400 indicates the first ignition event for the firstcombustion event since engine stop. In this example, cylinder number twois the first cylinder to combust an air-fuel mixture. Such a startingsequence is available for a direct injection engine. Star 408 representsthe second combustion event for cylinder number two after engine stopand it is the fifth combustion event since engine stop. In thissequence, cylinder number two valves are closed and air is trapped inthe cylinder during the engine stop. Fuel is injected into cylindernumber two while the engine is stopped. The fuel and air mixture aresubsequently ignited during the compression stroke. In some examples,the air-fuel mixture of a cylinder in a compression stroke may beignited before engine rotation.

Since the combustion order of this particular engine is 1-3-4-2, thesecond combustion event from engine stop is initiated at 402 asindicated by the star. Star 402 represents the initiation of the firstcombustion event for cylinder number one after engine stop and thesecond combustion event from the engine stop. Star 406 represents theinitiation of the first combustion event for cylinder number four afterengine stop and the third combustion event from the engine stop. Star406 represents the initiation of the first combustion event for cylindernumber two after engine stop and the fourth combustion event from theengine stop.

The fifth plot from the top of the Figure shows one example timing ofadjusting an actuator of a transmission, in particular a transmissionclutch, to adjust a tie-up force in response to a first combustion eventof a cylinder. The high portion of the CLUTCH 1 signal, left of marker412, indicates a higher force is applied to the transmission byclutch 1. The low portion of the CLUTCH 1 signal indicates a lower forceis applied to the transmission by clutch 1. Thus, a higher force isapplied by clutch 1 to the transmission during an engine stop and isreleased at marker 412 in response to timing of combustion event 402.The amplitude of the higher portion of CLUTCH 1 may be adjusted based onoperating conditions to control the transmission tie-up force asdescribed in FIG. 7, for example.

CLUTCH 1 signal is released in a step-wise manner so that clutch 1begins to release the rotating components of the transmission from thetransmission case and the vehicle chassis. For example, the CLUTCH 1signal may release a transmission shaft.

In this example, a reduction in tie-up force applied to the transmissionby CLUTCH 1 is timed relative to timing of a first combustion event incylinder number one even though cylinder number two is the firstcylinder to combust an air-fuel mixture. Further, the timing ofadjustment of the CLUTCH 1 signal is shown coincident with the timing ofthe CLUTCH 2 signal, but the timing of signals CLUTCH 1 and CLUTCH 2does not have to be coincident with a first combustion event of aparticular cylinder.

The sixth plot from the top of the Figure shows timing of adjustinganother actuator of a transmission, in particular a transmission clutch,to adjust a tie-up force in response to a first combustion event of acylinder. Similar to the CLUTCH 1 signal, the high portion of the CLUTCH2 signal, left of marker 414, indicates higher force is applied to thetransmission by clutch 2. The low portion of the CLUTCH 2 signalindicates a lower force is applied to the transmission by clutch 2.Thus, a higher force is applied by clutch 1 to the transmission duringan engine stop and is released at markers 412 and 414 in response totiming of combustion event 402. The amplitude of the higher portion ofthe signals CLUTCH 1 and CLUTCH 2 may be adjusted based on operatingconditions to control the transmission tie-up force.

Signals CLUTCH 1 and CLUTCH 2 are representative of control signals fortying and untying a transmission. In some embodiments, only a singleclutch may tie-up a transmission while in other embodiments three ormore clutches may tie-up a transmission. Thus, only signal CLUTCH 1 mayapply for some transmissions. Further, signals CLUTCH 1 and CLUTCH 2 arenot necessarily intended to correspond with a 1^(st) gear clutch and a2^(nd) gear clutch, but rather any two clutches that act to tie-up atransmission when applied.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart of an example engine startingroutine is shown. At 502, routine 500 determines operating conditions.Operating conditions may include but are not limited to enginetemperature, ambient air temperature, barometric pressure (e.g., anindication of altitude), engine crankshaft position, engine camshaftposition, torque converter input speed, torque converter output speed,vehicle brake pressure, humidity, transmission oil temperature,transmission oil pressure, engine position, and fuel type. Engineposition at stop may be retrieved from memory or by interpreting engineposition sensor information while the engine is stopped. Routine 500proceeds to 504 after operating conditions are determined.

At 504, routine 500 judges whether or not an engine start request hasbeen made after an engine stop. An engine start request may be made by adriver's act (e.g., changing the position of an actuator such as a brakepedal or accelerator pedal) or by a controller that automaticallyrequests an engine start in response to operating conditions (e.g., lowbattery state of charge, an air conditioning request, change of atraffic signal, a preceding vehicle moving away from the stoppedvehicle). If routine 500 judges that an engine start request has beenmade, routine 500 proceeds to 506. Otherwise, routine 500 proceeds toexit.

At 506, routine 500 engages a starter and begins to rotate the vehicleengine for starting. Further, injection of fuel and spark are initiatedat 506. Fuel injection and spark may be sequentially delivered to enginecylinders according to engine position and the order of combustion inengine cylinders. Alternatively, the engine may be directly started byinjecting fuel to a cylinder and igniting an air-fuel mixture with aspark. In direct start applications, routine 500 may determine the firstengine combustion event by predicting that the first cylinder to receivefuel will be the cylinder to first combust an air-fuel mixture after anengine stop. Routine 500 proceeds to 508 after the engine starter isengaged or after initiating direct start.

At 508, routine 500 tracks engine position as the engine rotates andpredicts the engine position of a first combustion event since enginestop. Engine position is tracked using position information gatheredfrom crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Further, the camshaft andcrankshaft sensors may be used to update an engine position stored inmemory from the last engine stop. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if afour cylinder engine stops with cylinder number one in an intake strokeroutine 500 may determine that cylinder number one will be the firstcylinder to combust an air-fuel mixture since engine stop becausecylinder number one has a fresh air charge that can be mixed with fuelthat is port or directly injected to cylinder number one. Thus, routine500 may judge or predict that cylinder number one will the firstcylinder to combust an air-fuel mixture. Further, routine 500 maydetermine the engine crankshaft position at which combustion will beginsince the engine controller sets the spark timing. In another example,routine 500 may predict the location of peak cylinder pressure based onthe cylinder air charge and the spark timing of cylinder number one.Thus, routine 500 can determine the timing of events that are related tothe first combustion event in cylinder number one since engine stop.

The timing or predicted timing of events related to the first combustionevent of cylinder number one may be used at 512 as a reference timing toadjust a transmission actuator such as a transmission clutch or atransmission pressure control valve. Similarly, since the order ofcombustion is known for the engine, events related to the firstcombustion events in cylinders 2-4 can also be determined and/orpredicted. In other examples, the output of a sensor may be used todetermine an event of a cylinder that is related to a first combustionevent in the cylinder. For example, a pressure transducer may be used tomonitor cylinder pressure in cylinder number one. The first timepressure in cylinder number one exceeds a threshold pressure since anengine stop may be used to identify a first combustion event in cylindernumber one. Thus, an event related to the first combustion event in anengine cylinder may be predicted and tracked based on engine positioninformation or it may be sensed by a transducer. In another example, anion sensing device may determine an engine event. Routine 500 proceedsto 510 after tracking engine position and events related to firstcombustion events in engine cylinders.

At 510, routine 500 judges whether or not the engine is at a positionrelated to a first combustion event in an engine cylinder. In oneexample, routine 500 may track engine position and predict an eventrelated to a first combustion event of an engine since engine stop. Inanother example, routine 500 may track engine position and predict anevent related to a first combustion event of a particular enginecylinder. If routine 500 judges that the engine is at a position thatcorresponds to a first combustion event of a cylinder, or a position ofa predicted first combustion event, routine 500 proceeds to 512.Otherwise, routine 500 returns to 508.

At 512, routine 500 begins to adjust a transmission actuator to reduce atie-up force applied to the transmission. In one example, the forceapplied by a gear clutch may be reduced to reduce the transmissiontie-up force. By reducing the transmission tie-up force some of thetorque input to the transmission may be directed to the transmissionoutput and vehicle wheels. As shown and described by FIGS. 3-4, the rateof release and timing of transmission clutch may be related to theamount of torque at the transmission input shaft as well as the amountof force applied to vehicle brakes. Further, in another example, thetiming of a reduction of force applied to one clutch tying up thetransmission, relative to a first combustion event of an enginecylinder, can be varied from a reduction of force applied to anotherclutch tying up the transmission. Depending on the system configuration,the type of transmission actuator that is adjusted may be different. Forexample, in one example a position of a valve actuator that supplies oilto a transmission clutch may be adjusted. In another example, a solenoidthat controls line pressure of oil in the transmission may be adjusted.Further, the voltage or current supplied to an oil pump supplying oil tothe transmission may be varied when routine 500 judges that the engineis at a position that is related to a first combustion event of acylinder. The method of FIG. 6 provides further details as to howtransmission actuators may be controlled during a transmission tie-uprelease. Routine 500 proceeds to 514 after transmission actuators areadjusted.

At 514, routine 500 judges whether or not the engine is started. In oneexample, routine 500 judges that the engine is started when enginerotational speed exceeds a threshold speed. If routine 500 judges thatthe engine is started, routine 500 proceeds to 516. Otherwise, routine500 proceeds to 518.

At 516, the routine 500 disengages the engine starter. In some examplesthe starter pinion may be withdrawn when engine speed reaches athreshold speed. Further, the starter may include an over-running clutchso that the starter speed is not increased by the accelerating engine.Routine 500 exits after the engine starter is disengaged.

At 518, routine 500 adjusts the position of transmission actuators. Inone example, routine 500 can increase the force applied to tie-up thetransmission since it has been judged at 514 that the engine has not yetstarted. The transmission actuators may be adjusted to positions orstates that they assumed prior to an adjustment at 512. In anotherexample, the transmission actuators may be adjusted to positions orstates between the states the actuators assumed at engine stop and thepositions they were adjusted to at 512. Routine 500 proceeds to 520after the transmission actuators are adjusted.

At 520, routine 500 adjusts engine actuators. In one example, routine500 may increase an amount of fuel injected to engine cylinders toimprove the possibility of engine starting. Further, routine 500 canadjust spark timing and cylinder air amount to improve the possibilityof engine starting. Routine 500 returns to 508 after engine actuatorsare adjusted to improve the possibility of engine starting.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of an example transmission tie-uprelease routine is shown. At 602, routine 600 determines thetransmission tie-up force. In one example, the transmission tie-up forcemay be determined by reading a value stored in memory of a controller bythe routine of FIG. 7. In an alternative example, the transmissiontie-up force may be determined from oil pressure supplied to one or moretransmission clutches. In particular, the oil pressure supplied to aclutch is read with a pressure transducer. The clutch oil pressure canbe converted to a force by inputting the measured oil pressure into afunction that describes clutch force in response to clutch oil pressure.Routine 600 proceeds to 604 after determining transmission tie-up force.

At 604, routine 600 determines an amount of torque transmitted to thetransmission. In one example, the amount of torque transmitted to theengine may be determined from engine speed. In particular, engine speedmay be input to a function that describes torque converter output torqueas a function of input speed. Transmission input torque is determined byinterrogating a look-up table that relates engine speed to torqueconverter output torque which translates into transmission input torque.Routine 600 proceeds to 606 after the transmission input torque isdetermined.

At 606, routine 600 determines the vehicle brake force. In one example,the vehicle brake force may be determined by reading a value stored inmemory of a controller by the routine of FIG. 7. In an alternativeexample, the brake force may be determined from oil pressure supplied tovehicle brakes. In particular, the oil pressure supplied to vehiclebrakes is read with a pressure transducer. The brake oil pressure can beconverted to a force by inputting the measured oil pressure into afunction that describes brake force in response to oil pressure. Routine600 proceeds to 608 after determining vehicle brake force.

At 608, routine 600 reduces transmission tie-up force. In one example,the timing of releasing of transmission tie-up force may be determinedby making an inquiry to one or more two-dimensional tables that holdempirically determined clutch release timings.

In another example, the clutch release rate may be determined by makingan inquiry to one or more two-dimensional tables that hold empiricallydetermined clutch release rates. Data in the two-dimensional tables maybe retrieved by indexing the two-dimensional tables with transmissioninput torque as determined at 604 and brake force as determined at 606.The output of the two-dimensional table defines the transmission clutchrelease timing or release rate.

It should be noted that while the force applied to transmission tie-upclutches is being reduced, the transmission remains tied up. Further,during a first condition (e.g., when a vehicle is stopped on an incline)the transmission tie-up torque is set to a first amount so that torqueis not transferred from the engine to the vehicle wheels until a firstengine speed is reached (e.g., an engine speed where the torqueconverter torque output exceeds the transmission tie-up torque). Duringa second condition (e.g., when a vehicle is stopped on a flat road), thetransmission tie-up torque is set to a second amount, the second amountless than the first amount, so that torque is not transferred from theengine to the vehicle wheels until a second engine speed, the secondengine speed less than the first engine speed. In some examples asdiscussed with reference to FIG. 7, the transmission tie-up torque maybe set in response to the vehicle brake force. Further, when the vehiclebrake force is increased the transmission tie-up force can be decreased.Thus, in some examples (e.g., when vehicle brakes are released after thetransmission tie-up torque), the transmission tie-up torque can bereduced and released at a higher rate than if transmission tie-up torqueis set to a higher level.

In addition, the transmission tie-up force can be reduced in response tothe fuel supplied to the engine. For example, if a lower octane fuel issupplied to the engine the tie-up release rate may be reduced so thatthe transmission tie-up duration is increased. It may be desirable toincrease the transmission tie-up duration when there is a higherpossibility of engine misfire. Alternatively, the release timing can beincreased so that the transmission tie-up is longer. Similarly, thetransmission tie-up force release rate can be adjusted for altitude. Forexample, the release rate can be decreased as altitude increases.Similarly, transmission tie-up release rate or timing can be adjustedfor other engine and/or transmission conditions (e.g., transmissiontemperature, engine temperature). Routine 600 proceeds to 610 afterdetermining the transmission clutch release timing.

At 610, routine 600 adjusts clutch oil pressure. In one example, thepressure of oil supplied to transmission clutches may be reduced byadjusting a duty cycle of a solenoid. In particular, the duty cycle of asolenoid valve can be reduced to lower the oil pressure supplied totransmission clutches. By lowering the pressure of oil supplied totransmission clutches, transmission tie-up force is reduced. In oneexample, the pressure of oil supplied to clutches may be feedbackcontrolled so that if the initial demand does not yield the desiredclutch oil pressure, the control command (e.g., duty cycle) is furtherreduced so that the actual clutch oil pressure matches the desiredclutch oil pressure. Routine 600 proceeds to exit after clutch oilpressure is adjusted.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of an example transmission tie-uproutine is shown. At 702, routine 700 determines engine stoppingconditions. Engine stopping conditions may include but are not limitedto atmospheric pressure, engine temperature, cam position, ambienttemperature, and throttle position. In some examples, a trailer attachedsignal can inhibit automatic engine stopping when it is determined thata trailer is attached to a vehicle. In other examples, the trailer masscan be estimated based on the brake force applied and the stoppingdistance during a vehicle stop. In other examples, the trailer mass canbe estimated from F=m·a during a vehicle acceleration by solving for mbased on the vehicle acceleration and the estimated torque produced bythe engine. Routine 700 proceeds to 704 after engine operatingconditions are determined.

At 704, routine 700 determines vehicle inclination. In one example,vehicle inclination may be determined by an inclinometer. For example,when a vehicle is parked on a substantially flat surface an inclinometeroutputs a first voltage. When the vehicle is parked on a hill theinclinometer outputs a second voltage, the second voltage higher thanthe first. In another example, vehicle inclination may be determinedfrom a global positioning system. Routine 700 proceeds to 706 aftervehicle inclination is determined.

At 706, routine 700 determines vehicle braking force. In one example,routine 700 determines vehicle braking force according to the followingequations:Vehicle_Brake_Force=r·m·g·sin ΘWhere Vehicle_Brake_Force is a wheel torque, r is a tire rolling radius,m is the vehicle mass, g is a gravity constant, and sin θ is the sine ofthe angle of the vehicle relative to a horizontal plane. In someexamples, the vehicle brake force may be increased by a factor (e.g.,1.2) to account for increases in vehicle mass or other variables,thereby increasing the force applied to brakes when the engine stops.Further, the mass term m may include the vehicle mass plus any estimatedtrailer mass. In some examples, the vehicle brake force is stored tomemory for use during engine restart and vehicle launch.

At 708, routine 700 determines the transmission tie-up force. Thetransmission tie-up force applied at engine stop is determined based onthe vehicle launch strategy. In particular, the transmission tie-upforce is set based on the following equation if vehicle brakes arereleased before tie-up clutches.Trans_tie_clutch_torq=r·m·g·sin ΘWhere Trans_tie_clutch_torq is the transmission tie-up clutch torque,and where r, m, g, and sin θ are as described above. Further, the massterm m may include the vehicle mass plus any estimated trailer mass.Thus, if the wheel brakes are scheduled to release before thetransmission tie-up clutches, then the transmission tie-up clutches areset to a force that will keep the vehicle stationary when the wheelbrakes are released. In some examples, a multiplier may increase thetransmission tie-up clutch force beyond that of the above equation tofurther limit the possibility of vehicle movement during vehicle brakerelease.

In another example where the vehicle wheel brakes are released after thetransmission tie-up clutches, the force applied to transmission tie-upclutches can be expressed by the following equation:

Trans_tie_clutch_torq≧r·m·g·sin Θ−T_brake

Where Trans_tie_clutch_torq, r, m, g, and sin θ are as described aboveand T_brake is the force applied to vehicle brakes. Further, the massterm m may include the vehicle mass plus any estimated trailer mass.Thus, according to this equation less force may be applied to thetransmission tie-up clutches if the vehicle brakes are released afterthe transmission tie-up. However, as indicated by the greater thansymbol, in some examples the transmission tie-up clutch force isincreased beyond the vehicle hold force (e.g., r·m·g·sin θ).

In some examples, the transmission tie-up force may be adjusted foraltitude. For example, the transmission tie-up force can be increased asaltitude increases. The altitude adjustment may be implemented as afunction whose output is multiplied by the transmission tie-up force toprovide an altitude modified transmission tie-up force. Similarly,transmission tie-up force can be adjusted for other engine and/ortransmission conditions (e.g., transmission temperature, enginetemperature).

Thus, during a first condition (e.g., when a vehicle is stopped on anincline) the transmission tie-up torque is set to a first amount so thattorque is not transferred from the engine to the vehicle wheels until afirst engine speed is reached (e.g., an engine speed where the torqueconverter torque output exceeds the transmission tie-up torque). Duringa second condition (e.g., when a vehicle is stopped on a flat road), thetransmission tie-up torque is set to a second amount, the second amountless than the first amount, so that torque is not transferred from theengine to the vehicle wheels until a second engine speed, the secondengine speed less than the first engine speed. In this way, thetransmission tie-up force is set to a first amount during a first engineand vehicle stop. During a second engine and vehicle stop after thefirst engine and vehicle stop, the transmission tie-up force is set to asecond amount that is greater or less than the first amount. Routine 700proceeds to 710 after the transmission tie-up force is determined.

At 710, routine 700 adjusts clutch oil pressure to tie-up thetransmission at the desired transmission tie-up force. In oneembodiment, a duty cycle of a signal that affects transmission clutchoil pressure is adjusted to vary clutch oil pressure and transmissiontie-up force. In one embodiment, the duty cycle is supplied to anelectric pump to control the pressure of oil supplied to transmission.In another embodiment, the duty cycle is supplied to a solenoid tocontrol clutch oil pressure. In one embodiment, oil pressure can beincreased by increasing the duty cycle of a signal applied to anelectric pump that supplies oil to transmission clutches. In otherembodiments, an analog signal may be supplied to a pump that controlsclutch oil pressure in response to a voltage level. In each example, atransfer function related the actuator duty cycle to a force applied tothe transmission clutches. In this way, the requested or desired tie-uptorque is applied to the transmission clutches. In some examples,routine 700 also stores the transmission tie-up force in memory so thatthe tie-up force can be released in a desired manner during an enginerestart. Routine 700 proceeds to exit after clutch oil pressure isadjusted.

Thus, the methods of FIGS. 5-7 provide for a method for starting anengine, comprising: stopping the engine; and during an engine start,adjusting a transmission tie-up force in response to a timing of a firstcombustion event of a cylinder. The method also includes where thecylinder is a first cylinder to combust an air-fuel mixture since saidengine stop. In one example, the method applies where the actuator ofsaid transmission is a clutch. The method also includes where the clutchis adjusted by varying a pressure of oil supplied to said clutch. Themethod further includes where the actuator of said transmission is atorque converter lockup clutch. The method also applies where the clutchis a gear clutch. The method also applies where the actuator is furtheradjusted during said start in response to a temperature of saidtransmission. The method applies where the actuator is further adjustedduring said engine start in response to altitude. The method includeswhere said actuator is further adjusted during said engine start inresponse to fuel type.

The methods of FIGS. 5-7 also provide for starting an engine,comprising: stopping an engine; adjusting at least one actuator of atransmission to control a transmission tie-up force during said enginestop; and during an engine start, adjusting said at least one actuatorof said transmission to decrease said transmission tie-up torque inresponse to a timing of a first combustion event of a cylinder of saidengine since stopping the engine. The method includes where said atleast one actuator is a clutch. The method includes where the at leastone actuator is adjusted in response to a trailer coupled to a vehicle.In one example, the method applies where the at least one actuator is atorque converter lockup clutch. Further, the method applies where theclutch is adjusted by varying a pressure of oil supplied to said clutch.The method also includes where the clutch is a gear clutch. The methodincludes where said at least one actuator is further adjusted duringsaid engine start in response to altitude.

The methods of FIGS. 5-7 also provide for a method for starting anengine, comprising: during a first condition: starting an engine while atransmission is in an operator selected state; and during a secondcondition, different than said first condition: stopping an engine at afirst engine position; starting said engine while said transmission isin a tied-up state; and reducing a tie-up force of said transmission inresponse to an occurrence of a first combustion event of a cylindersince engine stop, said occurrence of a first combustion event relatedto said first engine position. The method includes where the firstcondition is a first engine start after said engine has been stopped byan operator, and where a timing of said reducing said tie-up force ispredicted based on said first engine position. The method includes wherethe second condition is an engine start after said engine has beenstopped by said controller. The method also includes where the tie-upforce is reduced by opening a clutch of said transmission.

The methods of FIGS. 5-7 also provide for a method for starting anengine coupled to a transmission, comprising: stopping said engine;applying a tie-up force to said transmission during said engine stop;and reducing said tie-up force in response to an amount of torquetransmitted to said transmission via a torque converter and an amount offorce applied by a vehicle brake. The method includes where thetransmission is tied-up by applying at least two gear clutches, the atleast two gear clutches when applied ground transmission input shafttorque to a transmission case, and where said tie-up force is variedfrom engine stop to engine stop in response to vehicle operatingconditions. In one example, the method includes where the tie-up forceis reduced by an amount that releases said transmission from a tied-upstate in response to said torque transmitted to said transmission via ofsaid torque converter and in response to said force applied to saidvehicle brake. The method also includes where a force applied by one ofsaid at least two gear clutches to said transmission is reduced at arate different from a rate a force is applied to said transmission viaof a second clutch of said at least two gear clutches. The method alsoincludes where a force applied by one of said at least two gear clutchesto said transmission is reduced at a different timing from a timing aforce is reduced to said transmission via a second clutch of said atleast two gear clutches. The method further includes where the tie-upforce is reduced by lowering an oil pressure applied to a clutch. Themethod also includes where the tie-up force is adjusted in response to atemperature of said transmission. The method also includes where thetie-up force is adjusted in response to altitude. The method alsoincludes where the tie-up force is adjusted in response to fuel type.

The methods of FIGS. 5-7 also provide for a method for starting anengine coupled to a transmission, comprising: stopping said engine;tying up said transmission during said engine stop; and during an enginestart after stopping said engine, reducing a tie-up force applied tosaid transmission in response to an operator input and vehicle brakeforce. The method includes where the operator input is a change inposition of a brake pedal or an accelerator pedal. The method includeswhere the reduction in tie-up force is related to an amount of torqueprovided to an input shaft of said transmission and an amount of forceapplied to vehicle brakes. The method also includes where the tie-upforce is applied by at least one clutch. Further, the method includeswhere the clutch is a gear clutch. The method also includes where theclutch is adjusted by varying a pressure of oil supplied to said gearclutch. The method further includes where the torque provided to saidinput shaft of said transmission is determined from a speed of a torqueconverter.

The methods of FIGS. 5-7 also provide for a method for starting anengine coupled to a transmission, comprising: stopping said engine;applying a tie-up force to said transmission during said engine stop;restarting said engine in response to an operating condition, saidoperating condition other than an operator input; and reducing saidtie-up force when a transmission input torque exceeds a thresholdtorque, said threshold torque decreasing as a force applied to a vehiclebrake increases. The method also includes where the operating conditionis a state of battery charge. The method further includes where thetie-up force is applied by actuating a clutch. The method also includeswhere the tie-up torque is adjusted in response to operating conditions.

The routines described by FIGS. 5-7 may be executed substantiallysimultaneously by a controller during an engine start, or the routinesmay be executed independently, if desired.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, routinesdescribed in FIGS. 5-7 may represent one or more of any number ofprocessing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven,multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various steps orfunctions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, inparallel, or in some cases omitted. Likewise, the order of processing isnot necessarily required to achieve the objects, features, andadvantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustrationand description. Although not explicitly illustrated, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustratedsteps or functions may be repeatedly performed depending on theparticular strategy being used.

This concludes the description. The reading of it by those skilled inthe art would bring to mind many alterations and modifications withoutdeparting from the spirit and the scope of the description. For example,I3, I4, I5, V6, V8, V10, and V12 engines operating in natural gas,gasoline, diesel, or alternative fuel configurations could use thepresent description to advantage.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for starting an engine,comprising: stopping the engine and tracking engine position; predictinga first combustion event of a cylinder based on the tracked engineposition; and during an engine start, adjusting a transmission tie-upforce in response to a timing of the first combustion event of thecylinder.
 2. The method of claim 1, where said cylinder is a firstcylinder to combust an air-fuel mixture since said engine stop.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, where the transmission tie-up force is adjusted viaan actuator of a transmission.
 4. The method of claim 3, where saidactuator is a clutch, and where the clutch is adjusted by varying apressure of oil supplied to said clutch.
 5. The method of claim 4, wheresaid clutch is a gear clutch.
 6. The method of claim 3, where saidactuator is further adjusted during said start in response to atemperature of said transmission.
 7. The method of claim 3, where saidactuator is further adjusted during said engine start in response toaltitude.
 8. The method of claim 3, where said actuator is furtheradjusted during said engine start in response to fuel type.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising adjusting a torque converterlockup clutch during the engine start.
 10. A method for starting anengine, comprising: stopping an engine and tracking engine positionduring stopping the engine; adjusting at least one actuator of atransmission to control a transmission tie-up force during said enginestop; predicting a combustion event of a cylinder based on the trackedengine position; and during an engine start, adjusting said at least oneactuator of said transmission to decrease said transmission tie-uptorque in response to a timing of the combustion event of the cylinderof said engine since stopping the engine.
 11. The method of claim 10,where said at least one actuator is a clutch.
 12. The method of claim11, where said clutch is adjusted by varying a pressure of oil suppliedto said clutch.
 13. The method of claim 11, where said clutch is a gearclutch.
 14. The method of claim 10, where said at least one actuator isadjusted in response to a trailer coupled to a vehicle.
 15. A method ofclaim 10, where said at least one actuator is a torque converter lockupclutch.
 16. The method of claim 10, where said at least one actuator isfurther adjusted during said engine start in response to altitude.
 17. Amethod for starting an engine, comprising: during a first condition:starting an engine while a transmission is in an operator selectedstate; and during a second condition, different than said firstcondition: stopping an engine at a first engine position and trackingengine position; predicting a first combustion event of a cylinder basedon the tracked engine position; starting said engine while saidtransmission is in a tied-up state; and reducing a tie-up force of saidtransmission in response to the predicted first combustion event of thecylinder since engine stop, said occurrence of a first combustion eventrelated to said first engine position.
 18. The method of claim 17, wheresaid first condition is a first engine start after said engine has beenstopped by an operator, and where a timing of said reducing said tie-upforce is predicted based on said first engine position.
 19. The methodof claim 17, where said second condition is an engine start after saidengine has been stopped via a controller.
 20. The method of claim 19,where said tie-up force is reduced by opening a clutch of saidtransmission.